Page 134 of Lucky Shot
“I don’t know what any of that means, but I’m guessing that’s a good thing?” I seriously can’t tell by the shocked look on her face.
Slowly it morphs into a huge smile. “Better than I could have imagined.”
“I told you they’d love the book.” I’ve seen how hard she’s worked this summer, and I know how good the book is – at least what she let me read. I binge-read damn near the whole thing in one sitting. Would have finished it too if the rest had been ready. She left me on a cliffhanger. It feels sort of fitting. Not knowing the ending until after ours. Poetic even. Or maybe that’s my current sappy mood coming through.
“They want to add a tour, possibly including international stops.” She’s still smiling but looks genuinely baffled by it all.
“That’s fantastic, Red. You deserve it.”
“I think I’m in shock.”
I watch as the excitement finally hits her full force. “I can’t believe it. I’ll be traveling nonstop. I’ll have to make sure none of it interferes with Olivia’s due date. I can’t miss that. And my grandma’s seventy-fifth birthday is coming up and we’re throwing a big party for her.”
She prattles on as if she’s thinking through her schedule for the next six months and reimagining it.
“I’ve never been to Italy though. That would be fun. Pasta and wine and…” She stops and shakes her head. “I’m sorry. This is all stuff I can figure out later.”
“No, Red. It’s great news. I’m really happy for you.” And I am, but it hits me again how big of an ask it is to suggest she stay. Maybe after she’s done all these incredible things, she’ll comeback. But it needs to be on her terms. I’m not going to be the guy to hold her back.
“I couldn’t have done it without you.”
“Sure, you could have, but I’m happy I got to be a part of it.”
“What were you going to say before?”
“More sappy musings about not wanting you to go.”
“About that…” She lifts one shoulder and grins. “I was thinking about what Travis said.”
“Which thing? Because he talks a lot.”
She lets out a quiet chuckle. There’s a pause before she continues, and my heart is hammering in my chest.
“Maybe I could come back next summer or even visit some weekend and catch a hockey game.”
“I’d love that.”
“Really?” She seems surprised by my answer.
“Hell yeah.”
“And you have an open invitation to Arizona too. It’s gorgeous in the fall and winter. You could meet my family. They’ll love you. My sister refers to you as the ‘hot hockey player’ though, be forewarned.” She talks fast and animated.
“I’m sure I’ll love them too,” I say, and what I mean is I’ll love them because I love you. Is saying the words before she leaves cruel or romantic? I can’t decide.
“Let’s make a plan right now.” Her eyes flash with that determined optimism I recognize from the day she showed up at the rink to ask me to help her. “That way we’ll know we’re going to see each other again.”
“All right.” I like this game. “We have several home game weekends in October and November, but the first long break I’ll have is December.”
A little of that optimism drains from her expression. “December?”
It’s a kick to the gut to admit it’ll be that long. “Yeah, and I’ll have Aidan so I probably can’t come to you.”
“I don’t mind coming back here.”
“It’ll be cold,” I warn her with a grin, but the logistics of it all is making my gut swirl with unease. “Real cold.”
“Then you better make it worth my while.” She closes the distance between us and tips her head back, an open invitation to kiss her, which I do.
